Taxpayers Paying Nearly 90 Percent of BART’s Expenses Amid Agency’s Multibillion Dollar Deficits

Budget documents presented at the Bay Area Rapid Transit—better known as BART—agency’s Dec. 7 board meeting revealed significant operating deficits and fees collected from users accounting for far less than money the agency receives from taxpayers. Revenue from riders covers 10 percent of costs, according to calculations introduced by BART Director Debora Allen during the meeting. “When you look at what it costs to operate the system … taxpayers are paying for about 90 percent of the cost,” Ms. Allen said. Financial data shows the agency operating with significant deficits that continue to grow, with labor expenses exceeding what was budgeted for by about $43 million last fiscal year....